Turath: Celebrating Middle Eastern Heritage Through Art

Turath, meaning heritage and tradition in Arabic, is the theme taking center stage in the eponymous exhibition curated by Mariam Abdelrahman. The upcoming show, held from April 3rd until June 7th on follow.art, encourages the audience to explore Middle Eastern culture by presenting it not only as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant and dynamic force shaping contemporary discourse. Born in Cairo and raised in Jeddah, Mariam Abdelrahman aims to offer unique perspectives on the Middle East through to the realm of art. Her goal is to “challenge the prevailing negative stereotypes of Middle Easterners that have permeated the global narrative for decades.” Through a diverse array of media and styles, Abdelrahman seeks to challenge the negative narratives that have long plagued perceptions of the Middle East. Additionally, she aims to offer a nuanced and authentic portrayal that celebrates the richness and diversity of the region's heritage. Her goal is to “offer a diverse representation of perspective, by including different mediums and styles of art, that explore the various artists’ perspectives of the Middle East”.

In order to maintain authenticity and respect for the cultures and traditions represented in the exhibition, it was important for her to include artists from all around the Middle East. Abdelrahman emphasizes her strong affinity for contemporary realism, “as it captures the essence of people and their everyday lives, and evokes a sense of authenticity”. The exhibition features a variety of wooden and glass art, as they, according to Abdelrahman “reflect the indigenous and long-standing traditional artistic techniques of the Middle East”.

Abdelmoamen Mohamed, one of the artists featured in the exhibition, explains that his work is heavily inspired by his passion for ancient Egyptian history. While he is fascinated by Egyptian and Arab heritage, he aims to break tradition and express the themes surrounding Egyptian myths and history “in his own colors”, allowing for a new creative treatment of these themes. For Abdelmoamen, it is important to “preserve the ancient Egyptian identity”, since he feels very connected to the roots of his great ancestors. His artworks consist of acrylic paintings and glass art, which are popular media used in Arab art. By adding his own personal touch, Mohamed  attempts  to showcase the diversity of Egyptian culture. “I believe that art can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and dialogue, by allowing people to express their thoughts, beliefs and interests, and encouraging them to collectively produce artistic works together that document a historical story or novel”, he states.

Turath is an exhibition that showcases the complexity of Arab culture and heritage by displaying a variety of artworks employing various media, drawing inspiration from different sources, and each aiming to narrate a unique story. While Mahdi Awada's black-and-white photograph Asfurieh aims to reflect upon the history of Lebanon’s first mental asylum in order to comprehend the country’s many cultural and socio-political layers, Mariam Salaheldin impressionism-inspired painting Aswan is inspired by her own personal experience and aims to showcase “the beauty of Egypt rather than focusing on the bad.”

Mariam Abdelrahman anticipates that the audience, including those with limited exposure to Middle Eastern art and culture, will respond with fascination and curiosity to “Turath” and recognize the significance of Middle Eastern art within the broader context of art history. The exhibition aims to break down dominant misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the Middle East by highlighting its diverse cultural heritage and amplifying often overlooked narratives. Through the presentation of a diverse collection of contemporary Middle Eastern art, the exhibition challenges simplistic representations of the region and provides a platform for the acknowledgment of its multifaceted realities. "Turath" thus serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, emphasizing inclusivity, stimulating critical discourse, and nurturing a more nuanced global understanding of cultural identity.

The interdisciplinary exhibition encourages art enthusiasts from all around the world to immerse themselves into the complexities of Middle Eastern art and invites them to challenge their own perceptions of the region. Turath is held from April 3rd until June 7th on follow.art.